We've all experienced those frustrating trips home when you return from a long day at work only to find there is nowhere to park in your street.

It's annoying enough when the neighbour's boyfriend takes the best spot but what's even worse is if you have a drive - but apparently it is free for all.

Yes, as rude and cheeky as it sounds there have been incidents of strangers parking on someone's private drive.

Worse yet, there's nothing you can do about it - it's not illegal.

Neither the police or council are likely to help and according to the RAC there is even a loophole in the law which means it could go unpunished, reports Get Surrey's sister website, Manchester Evening News .

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Surrey's Parking Problems

What to do if someone parks on your drive

You can move the car but you cannot damage it, that would be vandalism and that is illegal. There is almost no quick fix so really the best thing to do is keep calm.

The RAC says if it's causing an issue, try and speak to the person and resolve the situation sensibly.

If you really need to move the car then you could hire a private tow truck to take the vehicle away, but this is not advised by the police. If the car gets damaged, you could be liable to pay for damages.

The Ask The Police website says: "Don't damage/clamp the vehicle or have it removed by a third party for destruction or storage without first seeking legal advice. If you do any of these things, you may commit a criminal offence or the owner may pursue a civil action against you.

"Under no circumstances would we advocate you merely pushing the vehicle on to a road and leaving it there as you may commit a number of offences."

Why can't the police or council help?

At one time, parking enforcement was handled by the police, but following the Road Traffic Act 1991, responsibility transferred to local authorities, which can issue penalty charge notices for parking offences on the road.

A car parked on your driveway is private property however so the council has no authority over that.

If the car is abandoned though, then that is good news for you.

If the car is abandoned and has out-of-date tax your local council would be required to move it regardless of whether it’s on public or private land.